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Salvia chamaedryoides

Germander Sage

Plant photo of: Salvia chamaedryoides
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Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer: El Nativo

 

Description

This low mounding perennial with a long bloom period, spreads by underground runners. It produces a small, silvery foliage which serves as a background for bright blue flowers. Bruised leaves have a spicy fragrance. Germander Sage reaches 2' tall and 4' wide. Heaviest blooms are in spring and early fall, but intermittent throughout the year. It requires full sun, well draining soil and is drought tolerant once it's established. Do not fertilize.

Maintenance Tips

Salvia chamaedryoides is a perennial shrub native to Mexico. It can grow 2-3’ tall and 3-4’ wide in a dense, irregular shape. It has intense blue flowers that are born at the tips of the branches, so hedging is discouraged as it will cut off the blooming potential. However, deadheading spent blooms can increase the blooming cycle. It can vary greatly in shape and size, so the best way to keep it low maintenance is to give it the space it requires to reach maturity, then use the thinning method, pruning out the longest branches and allowing sunlight to the interior of the plant. This plant rarely has any pest or disease issues and rarely requires any kind of fertilizer to look and perform its best.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Blue

Flower Season

Spring, Fall, Intermittent

Leaf Color

Grey, Silver

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Fall

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Swimming Pool, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.